RV gray/black tank drain hoses - what the heck ???

[rfuerst911sc]

Long rant sorry . So I last RV camped in the 80's . In the fall of last year my wife and I purchased a 25 ' 5th wheel camper used . Through the winter we have been doing stuff to make it ours and I have been getting familiar with the systems . Our maiden voyage is reserved for April 14 - 16 at a local state park . The site we have reserved has water/electric and gray water dump . Black water you have to dump at a designated area .

The camper came with one 10 ' stinky slinky . I plan to use it on the gray water dump to see it it leaks before attempting to dump the black tank . But I want to be prepared IF it leaks by having a new hose on stand by . So I started online search to see what's available . This is where it gets somewhat crazy . So you can buy these hoses everywhere from Wally World to hardware stores to all the online players .

There are like 3 - 4 main name brands and then tons of no names . You can buy cheap 12 mil to expensive 23 mil . Reviews are all over the place . What is worrisome is the reviews saying they leaked right out of the box ! What ? And that is across the board from cheap to expensive and name brand to no name brand . Apparently quality control is limited to the tape on the box

Complaints about leaks of the hoses and the plastic ends are the main issues . Obviously that is not a good situation when draining the black tank . Every brand had the complaints. And it was the same for their good/better/best lines . Some have protective exo skeletons that are to prevent damage but the leak complaints are still there . Is this now considered acceptable in the RV industry ?

I found ONE no name brand on Amazon that had ratings of 4 and 5 . Zero complaints of any leaks . A 20 ' kit consisting of two 10 ' hoses along with a variety of adapters and elbow . And the only one made of 24 mil material . So I bought it and it arrives Tuesday so well in advance of our first trip . Back in the 70's and 80's I don't remember a single time that our drain hoses leaked . We camped all across America .

So you guys/gals that use an RV what has your experience been with drain hoses ? Are the reviews accurate or overblown ? Yes I know not to drag the hoses on gravel or pavement . Oh and another sub set of garbage .......... drain hose supports ! LOTS of complaints on these . Do you use them ? Store bought or home made ? I am exhausted 😩

[Crowbob]

Pro tip (which I’m sure you already know): is to drain the black tank first then the grey.

The only problem I’ve had is with a new replacement cap on the grey tank outlet. The old one cracked and the O ring broke. The new O ring is so thick I can’t turn the thing without giant channel locks. I’m gonna try some kind of lube/grease this year.

With the kind of camping I do, I don’t want to have to carry another tool.

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by Crowbob

Pro tip (which I’m sure you already know): is to drain the black tank first then the grey.

The only problem I’ve had is with a new replacement cap on the grey tank outlet. The old one cracked and the O ring broke. The new O ring is so thick I can’t turn the thing without giant channel locks. I’m gonna try some kind of lube/grease this year.

With the kind of camping I do, I don’t want to have to carry another tool.

Yes I know to dump black first then the gray to help flush/clean the hose . I also plan to use silicone grease on all the hose gaskets/o-rings before installation . Good luck with that cap and thanks for the reminder on the dumping order .